04/12/2009

3rd Test, 3rd Day Impressions, India vs. Sri Lanka-2009

After yesterday’s adrenalin rush anything, less would have been an anti-climax.

So even though India leads by 143 runs with 7 wickets in hand, it appears as if Sri Lanka has reasserted itself.

What can one say about Sehwag getting out 7 runs short of 300, other than that this will only feed his legend?

As most commentators were saying following his dismissal, Sri Lanka bowlers found some spite in the pitch.

Now on it is a waiting game for India- score as many runs as possible and try to thrust Sri Lanka openers to face the twilight.

Update: 5.00 PM

Somehow, one gets the feeling that the Indian batsmen showed alack of urgency.

Almost all of the recognized batsmen scored, with Dhoni going on to make a 100.

Still, a lead of 334 odd runs appears slightly below par. If Sri Lanka can rid themselves of the mentality of a defensive game, the Indian batsmen may well find themselves batting on a wearing pitch on the 5th day.

I caught the game on replay and I must say, I wished Sunny would quit it, for this match at least. Sachin looked like a cataractous old man gathering together his most essentials and close to him in a careful, feeling, manner.

Actually upto halfway through his innings he was playing a fine game in tune with the team requirements...he was almost run a ball at 22 runs. Then he settled back to end up at his usual test speed of 50.